Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Gifts And Delights For A Baby Shower

The first question to ask is who should host the gathering? In the past only non-related womenfolk hosted a baby shower, groups such as friends, co-workers and church cells. Time changes traditions and it is currently more common and acceptable for mothers, aunts, grandmothers and sisters to host showers too. Someone has to take the first step to host the shower and the person generally becomes the hostess. A baby shower is a wonderful display of showing love and caring for a growing family and specially helps to welcome a new life into the world. A baby shower can be hosted either individually or as a group; in fact it might be more fun and exciting for a group to share in the excitement and responsibilities of planning out and hosting this extra special event. This will help to alleviate some of the stress of planning should the burden of hosting be shouldered alone.

As for the guest list, you would most likely have a rough idea of those you think should be invited to the event, but it is best to make sure the mother to be has a look at the list beforehand to ensure that no one is left out and that you leave out people that she doesn't want there. Although the written invitation is still the most preferable way to kick off a shower as it adds a personal touch, you can invite guests using more modern methods such as via phone calls, sms or e-mail. Baby shower e-card invitations templates are readily available online for free or at a nominal cost. Regardless of the type of invitation used, you must double check to make sure that all pertinent information is included. This may be in regards to themes, a map or written directions to the shower, the address of the hospital the mother to be is at or any other item that guests should know about.

Planning for the date of the shower is crucial too. Never have it in the last trimester of pregnancy, during which the mother is most uncomfortable. Make room so that she can still source the things that both she and the baby needs.

When deciding on the gifts, think of basic necessities. Things the baby would need when it arrives. Towels, diapers or even cloth basket will do just fine. Try to be more creative by arranging the stuffs in the basket so that it looks delightful. You can also use a bathroom bucket and fill in with bath essentials like soap, lotion and shampoo. Arranging the items into a cake made of towels and other goodies is also appealing. A few simple things like rubber, tape and ribbons should do the job. Homemade baby things are a joy to have. Patchwork covers are indeed a delight for mothers and baby. So are knit wears

A baby show need not take too long to carry out. It all depends on the visitors present. If they know each other well, they might want to stay longer.

Although there are many different variations on shower events, but a simple schedule for baby showers is shown here in this article which should be useful as a rough guideline. Any part can be added, removed and re-ordered to your personal tastes. Firstly as the host you should receive the arriving guests and greet them. It would be a good idea to serve some light snacks or finger foods. Once all or almost all guests have arrived, walk around the room and get each guest to introduce themselves briefly and identify how they know the mother-to-be. Play a few simple shower games at the beginning as ice-breakers many wonderful game ideas are available on the internet. You have to bear in mind that some of the guests may not know anyone else there other than the mother-to-be. Once this is over is over allow everyone go and eat the available food.

Once everyone has been served and satiated, the mother-to-be can start to open her gifts. An important note is to be sure to have a designated somebody jots down what each gift is and who it came from. This will make returning thank-you notes a lot easier for the future mother. The guests may leave at different intervals usually a few at a time depending on how well they mingle with the other guests. Make sure the mother-to-be has the opportunity to say goodbye to everyone. As the hostess or hostesses, be sure to thank the guests for attending. If the hostess has any shower favors, they should give this to the guests at this time.

About the Author
Elizabeth Ellis is a leading expert in all personalized gifts and has written a number of articles related to baptism gifts, personalized photo mugs, baby shower favors and so on.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Baptism Ceremony 101

Christians have many rites that mark certain stages or transition in their lives. One of these rites is baptism when water is put on the forehead of the baby to symbolize the baby has joined the Church or becoming a Christian. Parents are free to choose whether they want to hold a grand celebration out of it, or just throwing a simple reception. In early times, baptism has to take place in moving water to symbolize the movement of the Holy Spirit in human life. Nowadays, baptism ceremony normally take place in the church with a priest leading the ritual.

Whether you are hosting the party or being a guest, you must know a thing or two about gifts-giving. As a host, you may wish to prepare thank-you gifts for all your guests. The gift does not necessarily have to be big and expensive; a small thoughtful present is equally appreciated too. As a guest, you may pick gift items that have religious connotations, in line with the baptism theme. Like baby showers, the host and guests must know the importance of gift giving as a sign of gratitude and well-wishes. Once you have decided on the type of ceremony you like to organize, you can proceed to do the necessary matters such as fixing the date, contacting the church and booking the venue for the reception. For a religious Baptism you will need to meet with your local clergyman to discuss the details of the ceremony. Decide where you want it held, be it at the church, your garden, home, hotel or another locale. Investigate the guidelines for the ceremony different Christian denominations have differing customs and rites; is it performed during a regular Sunday service or is it something that is done on a separate day and time that you need to schedule. You may even have to take special Baptism/Christening classes before the event. Usually you would also have to select Godparents for the child, these persons are normally friends which whom you feel can lead your child in his or her spiritual growth and are willing to commit themselves to this task. Traditionally, in many faiths, baby girls are given two Godmothers and one Godfather, and baby boys should have two Godfathers and one Godmother, but it's really up to the parents to decide how many they want. You will also want to take into consideration how the chosen Godparents may handle the responsibility of becoming your child's full-time guardian should the need arise.

Depending on the host's efficiency and planning skills, it may take between 2 weeks to one month of effective planning to ensure the baptism ceremony and reception goes well without any glitches. Invitation cards should be sent out to guests early, preferably a week or two weeks, so that they have sufficient time to make necessary decisions. This would also allow busy guests to conveniently arrange and squeeze your special occasion into their hectic schedules.

In a traditional Baptism/Christening your baby will wear a gown during the service. This gown would be a long white or cream in color, it is worn by both girls and boys. Your family may have a gown that has been passed to them from other generations, but always purchase a new one easily.

The actual service and act of baptizing would only last at most about 20 or 45 minutes, and then you may decide to hold a small reception afterwards. If you do plan to have a reception, you will need to decide where you're going to have it this is because you may need to book the venue in advance should you decide to use a restaurant or a hall.

Light foods like burgers, drumsticks, fries, salads and soups are delightful treats for guests at the baptism reception. It is appropriate for the host to serve soft drinks and non-alcoholic drinks to his guests at the reception. It is important not to go overboard with the foods and drinks if the host does not wish to blow his budget. Another easy way is to order foods from the catering companies. If the host wishes for their guests to contribute or bring their own food to share with the rest, he may do so and inform them earlier about it. This is to allow ample time for the guests to make preparations.

It is a good idea to prepare a small favor for your guests. These are akin to baby shower favors and can be any small gift or trinket that your guests can take home to remind them of the ceremony. The baptism favors can be given at the ceremony, the reception, or both. It is also a common practice to give a small gift to the godparents. Guest also normally hand out small gifts to the parents, these usually consist of religious items for the baby such as bibles and rosaries unlike baby shower gifts .Last but not least don't forget to send thank-you cards or letters to all your guests to show your appreciation for coming to your child's Baptism.

About the Author
Elizabeth Ellis is a leading expert in all personalized gifts and has written a number of articles related to baptism gifts, personalized photo mugs, baby shower favors and so on. Please visit peculiarstuffs.com to read her other highly regarded work on such details as baptism favors, baby gifts, photo mugs and so on.

Sunday, July 01, 2007

5 Baby Shower Decorating Ideas

Decorations turn an everyday room into an occasion. Decorating for a baby shower doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. Keep things simple and stick to a theme. Themes can be colors, animals, baby items or decoration themes. Having too many themes at your baby shower will make it seem unorganized. Colors work well with other themes. For example, pink & green colors with a frog theme.

Let us first focus on the tables. Whether a buffet table, a table for your guests to sit at or a gift table, you will need to cover them with fabric or plastic table covers. While I am not opposed to plastic table covers, make sure they are thick enough so you can't see through to the table below. Fabric table covers can be expensive, especially if you have a lot of tables. Most party rental stores will rent fabric table covers.

Now that your tables are covered you can decorate them. Centerpieces create a focal point on the table. I went to a baby shower where they had a round table with a 5" high by 4" wide centerpiece. The table was 60" so it looked so empty. Take the size of your table into consideration. You can purchase something that mom to be can use such as a baby sock bouquet or diaper cake. You can have your favors as a centerpiece such as a lollipop bouquet or create a ring of favor bags or candles. Other table decorations, such as confetti, are optional.

If you are catering your baby shower make sure you put out plates, napkins, cups, and utensils. If you are using disposable plates and utensils make sure they will be sturdy enough so they won't break.

I love balloon bouquets. All you need are some latex balloons. Bunch them up in groups of 5-6 balloons. Mix up the colors - pink & green, pink & white, blue & yellow, blue & white, etc. You can even substitute a Mylar baby shower balloon for one of the latex balloons. Weigh down the balloon bouquet with a balloon weight. Balloons, ribbon and balloon weights can be found at most party supply stores. Place balloons strategically around the room. I have to say that I'm not a fan of balloons on the floor. You run the risk of someone tripping on them and hurting themselves.

Walls can be decorated with baby shower banners or homemade posters of baby pictures of guests, mommy to be or daddy to be.

Decorating for a baby shower can be easy, inexpensive and fun. Be creative, keep things simple and enjoy your baby shower!

About the Author
Christina Cermak is owner of Baby Shower Depot. Christina has written a Baby Shower Planning ebook called "Baby Showers: Tips, Tricks, and Ideas". Baby Shower Depot offers affordable baby shower favors, baby shower games, new daddy gifts, baby gifts, baby gift baskets, baby dia

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

A Guide To Baby Shower Etiquettes

A lovely baby shower party with proper baby shower etiquette is one of the best ways to welcome the new baby. If you want everyone to carry lovely memories at the end of the baby shower, put a little knowledge into baby shower planning while organizing the merrymaking event.

The traditional rule with a baby shower is that anyone can throw it except for the couple that are having the baby.

The proper baby shower etiquette says that someone who is not related to the couple should throw the baby shower. The reason for this is that it won't look as though the family are asking for gifts. But this isn't necessarily true and we don't always follow tradition anymore. It should be that anyone who is close to you and willing to plan your baby shower should do so.

It is good to do baby shower planning prior to the birth of the child. Hosting a baby shower after the arrival of the baby would not be so much of fun without the pot belly mother. The best time for hosting a baby shower would be somewhere between seventh and the ninth month when the mother has a big round belly. Take care not to plan the party just before the due date, in case the baby arrives sooner than expected.

On the other hand a baby shower party in the first few months would not be as exciting without the bulging belly.

Before any invitations are sent out, the mom-to-be needs to decide on a day that would suit her and also go through the guest list to make sure that no one has been left out. If it is for a second or third baby, the guests would normally just be close friends and family.

Normally, for any baby shower, it is just women who are invited. Though men were not normally invited, but it was quite common for the man to show at the end of the party to help his wife with the presents. Now days, it seems that it is fine for men to a part of the baby shower.

Baby showers are quite commonly held at country clubs, parks, restaurants, bars or any other place where people are able to get together. It is, however, a bit more personal and more comfortable if it is held in someone's house.

It is only fair that the person who is organizing or hosting the baby shower should pay for it. It should be considered as a gift to the mom-to-be. The rest of the gifts should be practical. As a baby shower could work out quite pricey, multiple people could throw the baby shower, which then helps with splitting the costs.

Any food can be served at a baby shower. It can be anything from finger foods, appetizers, candy on tables, to having full meals at restaurants. Gone are the days of having just light snacks. Often, people have a buffet with cold beverages, coffee, wine and other drinks. However, it is still standard to have a cake.

Have you learned something useful from the baby shower etiquette above? At the end of the day, baby showers are supposed to be fun, so have a good time.

If you are in need for for more ideas for baby shower, Qing Gu shares with you loads of helpful articles here for baby shower beginners...plus many advanced topics: http://www.coolest-baby-shower-idea.com/babyshower.html

Also sign up with the Planning A Baby Shower FREE eCourse, you'll be enjoying all the fun and innovative ways to make sure your baby shower party a great succes: http://www.coolest-baby-shower-idea.com/planning-a-baby-shower.html

About the Author
Qing Gu is a party planning expert, freelancer, and owner of a few websites about celebrating holidays and special occassoins. Learn the essential keys to plan a baby shower and get free monthly tips and how-to advice by visiting http://www.coolest-baby-shower-idea.com

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Precious Baby Shower Favors

Baby shower favors are the fun part baby planning! Favors do not have to traditional. Favors can be anything that reflects your style.

Tea party favors are the perfect bridal shower tea parties and baby shower tea parties. They feature trendy shoe or purse designs. The perfect theme for the perfect young lady. These are also great for gift tags or little girl tea parties. Each "matchbook" is personalized and features either purse design or shoe design. You can choose either a tea bag, "Love is Brewing", bag of seeds, "Love is Blooming" or wrapped mints, "Mint to Be". We have unique crochet baby shoe favors filled with tea candy. The blue and white has champagne and yogart flavored candy and the pink has strawberry and yogart flavored candy. These crochet baby shoes are perfect for unique baby shower favors. Boxed Daisy Baby with Almonds. Each daisy baby box has 5 almonds in them. Your guests will talk for weeks about these wonderful gifts. Personalized flip flop cookies are great favors for weddings, showers, announcements, and parties. Each personalized flip-flop cookie is personalized with 1 line. The standard packaging is shrink-wrap. Shrink wrapping keeps that cookies fresh and is the best way to ship sugar cookies. Seashell candies are PERFECT for your beach or garden baby shower! They are imported from France. The seashell candies are hard candy shells with fillings. Baby pink or blue hot chocolate drink mixes are perfect for unique shower favors or baby announcements. These traditional tins are filled with a pink or blue hot chocolate drink mix. Each tin has a built in hook to tie a ribbon or announcement. You can also personalize by adding a personalized label up top above the design. Something hot, or cold for a hot momma. This hot momma cappuccino mix is great for bridal and baby showers or girl night out. It can be served hot or iced. The packaging is really cute also. Each 1.25 oz packet can easily be personalized with a personalized label or personalized ribbon. Beach chair candleholders are perfect for beach baby favors or beach decorations. The beach chair candleholders do not have candles included. The beach chairs are ~5". Price is per beach chair candleholder. Chocolate candy candles make a great gift for the chocolate lover. They are no fat with all of the smell and beauty of chocolate. The chocolate candy candles are chocolate scented and make great bridal or baby shower favors. They burn up to 8 hours each. Cinderella coach candles are perfect for fairy tale wedding favors. All little girls dreams come true. These coach candles are a great way to say thank you to those who are sharing that dream with you. Gold "It's A Boy" or "It's A Girl" seals add a final touch to invitations, favors, or just about anything. These personalized diaper pin seals are perfect for baby announcements or baby shower invitations. Flip flop cookies are adorable! They measure ~ 2.5" long. The flip-flop cookies are sold as a pair. They are shrink-wrapped. The design on the flip-flop cookies will be a baby assortment. You can choose boy, girl, or both. Great for a beach baby shower favor. Baby Shower coaster invitations are truly unique! Letterpress printed on genuine coaster stock that will insure that your sentiment will be absorbed. What is alligator swamp cake? Chocolate pudding, graham cracker crumbs, and much are to make a delicious swamp pudding cake in the bucket; serve with the shovel and garnish with gummy alligators. Great tasty treat for all ages. These are great for children party favors and gifts. Duck coasters are the perfect baby shower favors. They are colorful and functional. The duck coasters are made of recycled rubber. The duck coasters are also great for kid's wedding favors. Cinderella pencil sharpeners make great unique party favors. They are boxed, so the Cinderella pencil sharpeners will easy to favor wrap. We have personalized gift-wrapping paper to make it a truly unique favor.

There is a large variety of baby shower favors to choose from. Take a look. You will not be disappointed.

Go to www.PreciousBabyShowerFavorsonline.com to view our entire selection of unique baby shower favors.

About the Author
Precious Baby Shower Favors recently launched. But the members of the company has worked with baby showers, gifts and gift ideas since 2000 and is dedicated to offering affordable favors for your special baby shower party.

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Are Baby Shower Favors Necessary?

Making the decision to host a baby shower for a beloved friend or family member is more then inviting a few people over to open gifts. There are many aspects involved in planning a baby shower, so before you dive in head first, take the time to create a plan that will help you stay on track.

Today's busy lifestyles make it easy to get caught up in finding the quickest solution that will solve our needs, and unfortunately that sometimes means cutting corners to save time. This doesn't mean that you have to follow every rule ever created for hosting a baby shower; but there are some things that are necessary for creating and hosting a successful event.

During the planning phase, you will eventually reach the point where you must decide if you want to give baby shower favors to your guests. But, before you make a hasty decision that you may regret later, it's important to take into consideration the people who are making this baby shower possible.

Your guests will be spending a few hours of their time with the Mom-to-be and they will also be bringing a gift. While it's true that your guests will come for no other reason then to show their love and support, it's only fair that you return their kindness in the same way. After all, the word "favor" means an "act of kindness."

Giving out baby shower favors to your guests is a wonderful way for you to show your respect, and thank them for all they've done to make the day special for the guest of honor. So yes, baby shower favors are necessary; in fact, most people will agree that this is one of the "golden rules" of hosting a baby shower. However, there's no need to go to extremes to find the perfect thing to give, nor is there any reason to invest a lot of time and money into this particular phase of planning. In truth, you'll find that selecting and packaging baby shower favors will be one of the most enjoyable aspects of arranging the entire event.

As you'll soon discover, there is a vast array of baby shower favors available on the market today, and as a result, you may find it hard to decide what to give.

There's really no right or wrong choice, it's more a question of what your overall shower theme is, what type of guests you will be inviting, and what you think you would like to give them.

Perhaps you have chosen the baby shower theme to evolve around baby carriages. So you may want to look for items that fit that theme, for example: baby carriage candle holders or decorated cookies shaped like a baby carriage. Make a list of all the things that relate to your theme and refer to the list for ideas when you go shopping.

Another thing to take into consideration is your guests. Will you be inviting children, teenagers, and older women or will your guests be close in age? If there is a diverse age group, candles may not be the best choice, whereas most anyone will enjoy a cookie or candies. If you're really stuck on giving a particular thing, you may want to purchase more then one baby shower favor, such as picture frames for the adults and treats for the children, so that everyone gets something they like.

Once you make the decision to give favors to your guests, write down some ideas and then review them based on your individual event. Eventually you'll narrow your choices and ultimately find the perfect baby shower favor that will have your guests glowing as they head out the door.

About the Author
Charlene is the owner and operator of http://www.thebabblingbaby.com and http://www.lifes-favors.com . She has spent the past 5 years consulting with families as the plan baby showers, baptisms, christenings, and other special events.